R.I.P.

So. My external hard drive died a couple weeks ago. To say the least, I'm heartbroken. Nearly 100 gigs of music just gone, like that. There may have been a few tears shed, not gonna lie. I'm probably being a tiny bit dramatic, but thats just how obsessed I am when it comes to music. In general I'm not having the best of luck as far as my computer goes. It seems as if my laptop is on the verge of crapping out too. (knock on wood) Lucky for me I getting a shiny new macbook for my birthday!

Of course, I'm still listening to music daily. Pandora has been very helpful and my town has a somewhat decent alternative rock radio station. I still wanted to share with those of you out there in blog land my current favorites or new stuff I've come across. But until I either get the data recovered from the hard drive (which is kind of costly and isn't guaranteed to work) or get my new laptop and able to redownload some of my collection, I wont be able to upload music for a bit. Next best thing is youtube.com. So watch some videos with me, you might find something you like.

Oh and I'm not responsible for anything of these videos. Some are official videos of the artist and some are made by fans. I prefer the ones with lyrics included since I like to read along.

Jason Walker - "Down"

I came across this song thanks to Pandora. The 1st version had a girl singing a couple of verses. Had a Damien Rice vibe to it. I'll be honest and say I didn't look that hard for that version. Apparently this song was also feature on that Vampire Diaries show that I've never watched. There's only room for True Blood in my heart. The song stands on it's own. There's something hauntingly beautiful about the whole vibe of this song. If you pay attention to the lyrics you'll get a great view of my current mindset. Sometimes life can be a little discouraging.

Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream"

I've been listening to this song on repeat the last couple of days. I've probably hate it next week. It's just a fun pop song. Slightly thoughtful but a bit fluff at the same time. Katy Perry has become my current love to hate artist. I go back and forth enjoying her or being annoyed by her. The video for California Girls really annoyed me, but we've not here to talk about that. The whole "skin tight jean" bit cracks me up. It's just plain fun.

John Mayer - "Edge of Desire"

Yes, John Mayer seems like he's a giant toolbag, but I really do love his music. This song in particle would be the perfect musical backdrop for a situation I was in. I think so anyway. Besides Mayer gained some points by streaming his concert from Red Rocks live and FREE for anyone with a computer. Not many people have done that. I got to spend 2 hours Weds. night watching in my favorite pjs and getting a little girlie weepy that tends to happen at his concerts. And, dude can play the guitar and his collection is sick. "there I just said it I'm scared you'll forget about me"

Erin McCarley - "Pony"

It's Okay. Sometimes you need a little reminder. This song is kind peppy and super cute. I would call it a pop song, but it's what more pop songs should be. Empowering instead of just being superficial. I have not problems admitting to enjoying the heck out of it unlike some others i equally enjoy.

Earth, Wind & Fire - "September"

Yes, this song is probably older than I am. Earth Wind and Fire is one of my Dad's all time favorites. I grew up listening to all the stuff. Vinyl, cassette tape, or CD my Dad has it all. A couple of weeks ago I got to see them live and for FREE. (I'm huge into free stuff) My dad played a huge part in my going. Since he lives across the country it was my duty to be there. I had a blast! No joke. I was shaking my groove thing with people of all ages. Couples old enough to be my parents or even grandparents and surprisingly and also amazingly there were so many people from my own generation! Common fellows who grew up listening right along with their parents. I was spooked myself by how many of their songs I knew by heart. Out of their hour and a half set there were only two songs I didn't know every single word. Even though only three of the original band members still tour they put on an amazing so. Great crowd interaction, the bassist had some kick ass fringe pants, and oh my god could these guys hit some high notes. I thought the slightly younger group of guys in front were going to wet their pants every time a crazy high note was hit. I really can't say enough what a great time I had. I think I might have to start seeing "older" acts more often. Touring and putting out music for 20+ years really makes you an expert.

Current Obsessions

I’ve been watching far too much television lately that music has taken a backseat. Its not that I’m not listening to music, but has become more of a background noise than its normally force of nature. Since I’ve been slacking on this here blog for about a month now, and some well meaning people have been complaining (you got you shout out Bigs), I figure it was time for some new blood. (True Blood is back!!!) There’s really no rhyme or reason or even a common threat between the following songs. Well, unless you count me just liking them more than others today.


Charlotte Sometimes
Track: “Bad Bad World”
Album: Sideways EP

One of my favorite female artists! It also doesn’t hurt she from Jersey. I wish she was bigger right now, she really is very talented. I was first turned on to her from VH1 of all things. They just to have “You Oughta Know” segments where they would showcase smaller musical acts. Whoever was in charge of picking what was showcased did an amazing job. I’m not even sure if VH1 plays music anymore. I only watch the T.O. Show. But back to Charlotte; this song is from her new EP which she was letting people download for free! I really want to get a hardcopy since the cover art is amazing. She’s just all around amazing. Great voice, lyrics, and point of view. I would compare her to Kate Nash, but with a little more soul. Wow that sounds lame, but I’m not so great at making comparisons.


John Mayer
Track: “Assassin”
Album: Battle Studies

Let me start by saying this: John Mayer is a lot like Kanye West. Neither should give interviews nor talk about anything besides their own music in public. With that said, Mayer, like Kanye, makes high quality music. I’ve liked Mayer since he released his first CD, I’ve even paid good money to see him perform live. He makes mellow, sometimes sappy music that favor well with frat guys who need something to play while they try to get laid. I love it of course, the music not the frat guys. Here’s my favorite song off his latest album. I imagine it playing in the background of some smoked filled room while two insanely attractive people drink dirty martinis.


Regina Spektor
Track: “Eet” “Blue Lips”
Album: Far

Regina is somber, thoughtful and usually accompanied by a piano. She has one of those voices I wish I had. There’s so much heart and soul in every word so sings. It’s heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. I find myself listening to her stuff when I’m stressed or worried and need to center myself.


Goldfrapp
Track: “Shiny and Warm” “I Wanna Life”
Album: Head First

I’m not sure who exactly suggested Goldfrapp to me, but it was a while ago. I didn’t pay much attention, but someone (I can remember who sais this) told me there recent album was damn good and I’d be stupid not to give it a listen pronto. I did and I realized why Goldfrapp was suggested to me in the first place. They’ve got an almost 80s electronic vibe. I could picture any their songs playing during the prom scene in Sixteen Candles. I love that movie and I’m loving this new album.


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